How do you perform a spot inventory?

• A. Select a small sample of items in a location, physically count them to verify accuracy, then compare to records
• B. Conduct a full inventory weekly
• C. Count only items with barcodes
• D. Rely on last quarter counts

Answer: (A)

Spot inventory is a quick, representative check of stock to verify that the records match what’s actually on hand. You select a small, representative sample of items from a location, then physically count them and compare those counts to the numbers in the inventory system. This process helps you gauge how accurate the records are without doing a full stocktake every time. If counts differ from the records, you investigate the causes—such as misplacement, data-entry errors, or system issues—and adjust the records accordingly. This approach is efficient and practical for monitoring accuracy between full inventories, unlike methods that imply counting everything, relying on outdated data, or counting only items with barcodes.